Values Set In Rock

For some time now we have been a Positive Behaviour for Learning school and as a result of this have established our school-wide expectations around R.O.A.R. - Respect, Ōtaki College Pride, Active Learning and Responsibility.  We have also based our school philosophy on Te Kawa o Te Ako, made up of 10 Tikanga which guide our processes: Kotahitanga, Pūkengatanga, Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga, Whānaungatanga, Te Reo, Whakapapa, Ūkaipōtanga, Wairuatanga and Rangatiratanga.

We felt strongly that our values, linked with our Tikanga, needed to be made visible in both English and Te Reo Māori as a constant reminder to our learning community about how we grow ourselves as good citizens.

The original idea was to have some concrete structures with words sandblasted into them but, thanks to Pete Housiaux (Concrete Doctors) thinking out of the box he said 'why not set them in stone'.  The challenge from this was to then find stones that would be available to do just that.  After some conversations with a personal friend that owns Mills Albert, he said that he would be able to donate large rocks sourced from Opunaki.  These rocks (kohatu) were trucked down from Taranaki to the Concrete Doctors who have worked their magic to get a final product, which in my opinion, is outstanding.  I would like to again thank Pete Housiaux and the Concrete Doctors and Mills Albert for making this all possible.

Sports Round-Up

We have had a stunning start to the year with three major College events taking place in recent times:

• Swimming Sports

• Athletics Day

• Showjumping

I would personally like to thank all of our students on their willingness to get involved in these events.  I would also like to acknowledge students who have produced some outstanding performances which will be recognised later in this Newsletter (full Athletics results will be published in the next Newsletter as these have not yet been announced).  A very big thanks to staff, Heads of School, Manukura Boys and parents for their help in the organisation, set-up and running of these events.

Students Bringing Cars to School and Bike Safety

Could I please encourage parents and whānau to instill the importance to their children of driving within the restrictions of their licences.  We have witnessed students on restricted licences taking passengers and we do not want this to end badly.

Students bringing cars to school will need to park them on Mill Road or in close vicinity to the College as we do not have the parking capacity for their vehicles on site.

If your child is coming to school using a bike, could you please encourage them to wear a bike helmet.  With the heavy increase of traffic volume on both Mill and Waerenga Roads we are concerned that if there were to be an accident a number of students would not be protected by helmets.

Please remember bike helmets do save lives and we need to look after our young people.

Chromebooks

As we are a device school, chromebooks are now essential in the delivery of teaching and learning at Ōtaki College.  Can you please ensure that your child is coming to school every day with a fully charged chromebook.  In doing this teachers can spend more time focussed on learning as opposed to trying to sort out options for those students who have not brought their chromebooks to class.  Your support on this matter will be hugely appreciated.

School TV

Ōtaki College has invested in School TV because we believe that this resource can provide very sound advice and guidance for parents and young people.  We would encourage you to go to the School TV link on the College Website or in this Newsletter to view this site.  This month's focus is Happiness and Gratitude.